P&O Cruises to return to Albania in 2027

P&O Cruises is returning to Albania next year for the first time in almost a decade.

Sarande, known for its beaches and the Unesco World Heritage site of Butrint, is featured for the first time since 2018.

The southern Albanian port city is included in Azura’s seven-night eastern Mediterranean sailing in May 2027 and a 21-night central Mediterranean cruise by Arcadia in October 2027.

Pre-registration for the full range of new itineraries is open from today (Wednesday) until to 8pm on April 28. General sale opens from 8.30am on April 30.

The summer 2027 sailing schedule includes late stays and overnight calls to more than 20 destinations, including Casablanca, Malta, Tenerife, Lisbon, Ibiza and Hamburg.

Holidays booked by June 30, 2025, and departing on or after March 1, 2027 will be applicable for introductory offers including a 10% early booking discount, 10% deposits and third and fourth passengers in cabins sailing for free on selected off-peak cruises from Southampton.

Much of the programme reflects current sailings, including Iona in the Norwegian fjords, Azura offering fly-cruises from Malta plus Arvia, Britannia, Ventura, Arcadia and Aurora running various departures from Southampton.

A new 19-night eastern Med sailing by Aurora in April 2027 features tours to the Pyramids of Giza from Alexandria.

Britannia’s call into Cadiz will coincide with the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027 during a 14-night Mediterranean cruise.

A 21-night central Med itinerary by Britannia has been refreshed to include Greek islands and Turkey. The sailing from Southampton in June 2027 includes maiden calls into Kusadasi, Piraeus, Rhodes and Heraklion.

Other maiden calls include Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec and Harstad in Norway for Aurora.

Capacity is being added to Norway with two additional sailings by Britannia to bring the ship’s total up to eight.